I just purchased an '85 Z28 that has the motor from a '78 Z28. The motor was rebuilt by a "booger eatin' moron".... (sorry, but the guy was). After the engine had about 600 miles put on it, it spun two bearings, and the heads are now cracked beyond repair.

The good news is that I just got the block back from the machine shop, and I installed a new crank, new rods, and new pistons. Pistons are flat top, block is bored 40 over (it was already 30).

My neighbor gave me a set of heads that need a valve job, but before I take them to the machine shop, I need to know a little about the cam, right? I want to make sure that the CR is where I want it to be.

Is there any way to tell what kind of lift, seperation, etc., a camshaft has by the numbers that are stamped on it? I talked to the guy that owned it before and all he did was take it to some schmoe (which screwed him). All I know for sure is that it is not the original cam.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Chuck

If it is an aftermarket cam. there should be info stapmed on one end of it. Some factory cams have ident info cast into the areas between lobes. Post any number-letter combo and we'll try to determine just what it is. Sometimes, though, there isn't sufficient info placed on stock cams to ID them, so be ready for either outcome.

Another way to go is to map the profile by measuring lift and duration.

Is it really worth the small money a new cam and lifters would cost? At least with the new stuff, you'd definately know what you have, and it wouldn't be a used, prerun item.

[This message has been edited by IgnitionMan (edited 04-05-2000).]

Sounds like most everything else in the motor wasn't worth crap anyhow.... Why not replace the cam and know exactly what you have and that it's good. you can get one and some lifters for around $100.

Can't help on the ID# sorry. You can always measure things, do you have a dial indicator?

Speaking of "booger eaters", I did not write the numbers down from the cam this morning. It is still wrapped up on my workbench... I will get them tonight and post them.

But a good point is to just buy a new cam. For what I got the car for, it may not be a bad idea.

Can anyone show a link that will help me get an idea of what kind of cam to use? Or maybe some suggestions? Camshaft theory is not my strongpoint.... come to think of it, I'm not sure if I have ANY strongpoints.... http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

This will be my daily driver - back and forth to work (90 miles a day). My Chevelle will remain my weekend hellraiser.

Here is a link for you to get some ideas.

I have the RANGE 3 in my daily driven SB350
http://www.engineparts.com/parts/cam.html

Just ignore the computer stuff. If your cam selection is for a daily driver, you aren't gonna want a 'lopey' idle. and the vaccuum listing are needle for all that is vaccum driven at idle. i.e. no brake booster.

Great link, 72chevelle350TH350.
Thanks. I added that one to my favorites.

That sounds about like what I want.

I really appreciate all of the help, fellas.

Chuck

Okay... here are the numbers:
There is a stamp that says, "CMC" on the shaft, between the lobes.

In front of the second journal it says, "D3".

Right behind that journal it says, "12".

In front of the distributor gear, it is stamped, "1579"

On the very back of the cam, there is a number "965633", and what looks like "WG".

Any ideas?